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Giving a window into the rich inspiration offered by the incredible city of Kolkata is Textile Designer and Decor Blogger Neha Jhunjhunwala, sharing five brands that have blossomed incredibly from their roots here.

Words: Neha Jhunjhunwala

Scarlet Splendour When I saw furniture pieces from Suman Kanodia's brand Scarlet Splendour, there were such happy emotions I experienced. For starters, I was so surprised that such world level products were made in India and then a sense of pride. The mix of materials, the play of colors, and the littlebig details, all are worthy of a standing ovation.

Her start

Suman's brother Ashish Bajoria and she started this company for the pure love of design. The appreciation for art, craft and design was instilled in her siblings and her by their mother while

they were growing up. Scarlet Splendour is the result of this passion and the desire to bring to the world extraordinary design.

USP of the brand

They are a luxury brand that aims to bring trail blazing designs in furniture and accessories to India and the world. They collaborate with international designers to design their products so that Indian craft is translated into a contemporary, hip and relevant language.

Favourite collection

When I asked her what was her most loved and favourite collection was, Suman laughed and said, “that’s like asking a mother which one of her children is her favourite! Ashish and I curate each proposal that our designers bring to the table so that’s a tough question.” However, she admits her favourite is the 88 Secrets Bar from the 88 Secrets collection. But she again does add on- “Or is it the Vanilla Noir collection by Matteo Cibic? Maybe Animagic?”

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KAPPASSO When it comes to the cutest and the most neatly finished home stuff for kids, this is one brand that I rely on. Nidhi Agarwal's creativity, her attention to the tiniest of details, and the organic fabrics she uses create a unique allure. Her start Nidhi was always attracted to product design ever since I have known her and subsequently specialized in toy design. As she says, nothing brings her more joy than seeing happy faces at the end of the day. Just the sparkle of joy in a child's eyes is what sparked the beginning of this brand. USP of the brand Kappasso gives baby accessories a creative uplift while being completely safe. I love how they use only 100% cotton, making its products washable and child safe. Because they are exporting all over the world their products meet all international safety standards. And the best part, everything can be personalized and they are fabulous job at it. Favourite collection Nidhi's favourite collection is ‘The Bunny Story.' It’s a collection formed with beautiful patchwork, giving the collection a subtle yet colourful feel. She just loves the magical way all different colors and fabrics come together to create a unique story of their own.

THE CUSHION PROJECT Kavita Jhunjhunwala started working on cushions about one and a half decades ago and the international touch to all the designs of The Cushion Project always stood apart and continue to do so. Her impeccable design taste combined with the practical approach towards cushion usage in our home creates the perfect magic. As she says- what lipstick does to your face, cushions do the same to your interiors. Her start Kavita realized there was a Dirth of cushion covers in the Indian market. She was always aesthetically inclined and yet wanted to do something which could create a balance between her personal and professional life. This worked out as the best option and the rest is history. USP of the brand It’s the variety that’s available in the collection. Be it in terms of the sizes or the kinds of homes these cushions would fit in, from classic to colourful, from a boho to a crisp clean looking home. There is also a wide range in terms of prints and textures available, from plains and stripes to embroidered beauties. Favourite collection For her, it’s their latest collection, Imperfectly Perfect. It’s a collection where a lot of human touch is kept alive, from hand-weaving to handembroidery. The collection is about going back to your roots and bringing back nature into your homes. It’s a collection that celebrates imperfection, something no machine can ever copy.

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WIX AND WAX There is something truly surreal about candles. The soft light they create, their aroma, and when it is all packaged together with great design, we have a winner all the way! Wix & Wax ~ Candles for You!, is an entrepreneurial venture by Mrs. Ridhima Sureka. It was her desire to light every occasion with beauty and grace through decorative designer candles. Her start After completing a diploma course in interior designing, Ridhima's first client needed candles for her house warming party, and was unable to find something good that suited her taste. She started at this point and STUDIO 13 When I first saw Neha Jhunjhunwala's crockery set of her brand Studio 13, it just left me awestruck! The finesse, the details and the colours, all were just perfect! And then I realized she is my namesake.

Her start Getting married into a family whose business was centred around mass-producing ceramic tableware and hotelware came together with Neha's degree and experience as an art and design major, to explore design across media forms. In fact, Studio13 is not just a brand, it is a multidisciplinary practice of interacting with art in everyday things. USP of the brand At Studio13, all the products are crafted by hand from start to finish. Neha personally draws and paints each design, which is then translated onto the serveware by replicating it on a software and then executed onto the final ceramic table accent at their manufacturing unit.

has till date created many designs for the luxury candle market. Her designs are a perfect solution for personal and corporate gifting and can be used for birthday parties, poker parties, and even for grand occasions like weddings. USP of the brand The concept of Wix and Wax was inspired by her desire to make every occasion special through its customized decorative luxury candles with fine fragrances. Favourite collection For Ridhima it has to be the Handcrafted Henna Candles which have adorned Indian weddings both in India and abroad. They are the most delightful wedding giveaways. A close 2nd will be their hand poured Mogra Aroma Jar candles from the Regal Collection. It smells heavenly and it is her customer's eternal favourite too! Favourite collection While each piece that they have created is equally precious to them,Vintage Garden is the closest to their hearts. Envisioned at a time when the world was reeling during the onset of the pandemic, this line celebrates nature in all its glory and is inspired by Neha’s garden. It invokes a sentiment of togetherness and is the perfect choice for intimate gatherings, such as an afternoon tea, evening tapas, or a candle-lit dinner for two.

Decor Ideas

WHITE WINTER WHITE

Pristineandyetdynamic,whiteisacolourthatcanadda sophisticatedalluretoanystyleofinteriororsetting.TIHG brings an inspired selection of white furniture and decor options that will enhance your space with ease and elegance. Research: Arushi Chaturvedi

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Safedi Ki Chamkar, MADS Creations; White Plastic Hanging Light, Philips available at Pepperfry; Abella Dinner Plate, Beyond Designs Home; Cane Bed, Beyond Designs s; Jaan Living Sofa, Walter Knoll available at Plüsch; Urlander Coffee Table With Lift Top p, Ashley Furniture Homestore available at Dash Square; Radial Ivorry, H dHands